Paul stood before two of the most powerful men in the Judea region and preached the gospel both personally and fearlessly. His boldness in these situations is an example for us today and the response of these two men is a poignant reminder that the best time to accept Jesus into our lives is always right away.

<p>Paul stood before two of the most powerful men in the Judea region and preached the gospel both personally and fearlessly. His boldness in these situations is an example for us today and the response of these two men is a poignant reminder that the best time to accept Jesus into our lives is always right away.</p>

Lineage Journey

Adam Ramdin

Pentecost to Patmos

01 Pentecost to Patmos

04 Peter: Delivered From Prison

02 The Stoning of Stephen

05 Antioch: And They Were Called Christians

06 Paul & Silas: Preaching in Philippi

07 Paul & Silas: The Work in Thessaloniki & Berea

03 Paul: The Road to Damascus

08 Paul: Ministry in Athens

09 Paul: Ministry in Corinth

10 Paul: Uproar in Ephesus

11 Paul: Before Felix & Agrippa

12 Paul: Shipwrecked On Malta

13 Paul: Arrest & Trial in Rome

14 Peter: Calling, Consecration & Crucifixion

15 John: The Beloved & Patmos

Paul had stopped on his way to Jerusalem and my leaders in order to encourage the church leaders in Ephesus in what he sensed might be his last journey. As Paul arrived here in Jerusalem, he was advised by some of his friends to go to the temple and take part in some of the rights of purifications. The accusation against Paul was that he was converting gentiles and telling them not to keep the ceremonial law, and some of his friends thought that if he himself participated, it would go a long way to removing this objection. Their strategy was misguided though, for they failed to grasp the level of anger and hatred against him. After several days, some Jews from Asia Minor recognized him and raised the alarm, and if it wasn't for the intervention of the Roman commander, Paul might have lost his life. Paul was taken to prison where his status as a Roman citizen afforded him the privilege of not being beaten, but he still knew that he was not safe. About 40 or so Jews took an oath that they wouldn't eat or drink anything until Paul was dead. Paul's sister son heard about this ambush and came and warned Paul, who told him to tell the guards they taken this threat seriously arranged for Paul to be transported here to Caesarea at night and put under the protection of Felix. Both Cordius and Felix did not see any weight of evidence in what they were charging Paul with, and realized that it was a doctrinal issue over Jewish beliefs that they were trying to kill Paul about. Felix is not known as being a noble man. One historian is quoted as saying he has the power of a king and the temper of a slave. Yet even he could find no reason to execute. Paul and the Jewish leaders were defeated at trial. After the trial, Felix called for Paul and gave him a hearing. The Bible says in Acts 24, verse 25, that he reasoned about righteousness, temperance, and the judgment to come. But sadly, Felix, under conviction told Paul to go away for now, and when I have a convenient time, I will call for you. We never hear of Felix calling for Paul again. Paul remained here in prison for two years, Felix wasn't courageous enough to release a man he knew was innocent, and after he was called back to Rome, he was replaced by Festus as the regional leader, the Jewish leaders and high priests petitioned Festus to have Paul tried in Jerusalem. Initially he refused, but they traveled here to Caesarea and petitioned again and wanting to win favor with them. He asked Paul if he'll be willing to go. Paul knew that the plan was to kill him on the way, and so now he exercised his right as a Roman citizen to stand before Caesar Festus answered Under Caesar, you have appealed, and under Caesar you will go. While Paul was waiting here for the ship to take him to Rome, king of gripper and his wife, Bernie's came by to see Festus and hearing about Paul's situation, they asked to see him right here in this room. Paul was able to give a defense of his faith and his powerful testimony, and it's recorded in Acts chapter 26, when he was finished. King of Gripper may be unaware of his surroundings for a few moments, said almost You persuade me to be a Christian. These two men, Felix, who asked for a convenient time and a gripper who was almost persuaded, represent a large class of people today, those who are convicted but are stubborn and those who want a better time, where there's no obstacles to give their life to Jesus. If you are thinking of giving your life to Jesus today, don't delay. The best time to give your life to Jesus is always the earliest time. May we not be almost persuaded like a gripper, but fully persuaded of who Jesus is and what he has done for us today.

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Series

Pentecost to Patmos

11 Paul: Before Felix & Agrippa

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Other Teachings in Series

01 Pentecost to Patmos

04 Peter: Delivered From Prison

02 The Stoning of Stephen

05 Antioch: And They Were Called Christians

06 Paul & Silas: Preaching in Philippi

07 Paul & Silas: The Work in Thessaloniki & Berea

03 Paul: The Road to Damascus

08 Paul: Ministry in Athens

09 Paul: Ministry in Corinth

10 Paul: Uproar in Ephesus

11 Paul: Before Felix & Agrippa

12 Paul: Shipwrecked On Malta

13 Paul: Arrest & Trial in Rome

14 Peter: Calling, Consecration & Crucifixion

15 John: The Beloved & Patmos

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